Published: September 8, 2025
My name is Alex Kuvaja, and I am the news section editor for this semester. I will be graduating with a bachelor’s in political science and sociology this December. I spend my summers working for the Lakes Environmental Association to remove invasive milfoil from Sebago Lake and the Songo River. I also enjoy hiking, swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing. I grew up in Bridgton, Maine, so I like to spend my time on the lakes, rivers, and streams around me. I’m also close enough to New Hampshire and the White Mountains that I can spend time there.
I started writing for the paper last year, putting articles in the news and community sections. For my articles in the community section, I mostly wrote about events that addressed political and social issues and that took place in Portland or on a USM campus. In the news section, I mostly wrote articles on U.S. politics. This semester, I would like my news articles to have a greater focus on local issues and topics.. I would like to try to cover more news stories in the Greater Portland area and in the state of Maine, along with National and international news. Most people who keep up with it are likely to get their U.S. and world news from a different source anyway. By focusing on news and events on campus and in the community, I hope to make readers more aware and connected.
Writing for the Free Press has helped me to develop clear and concise writing, has given me an opportunity to get out and attend more events, and has helped me stay up to date on news and current events. I’ve also appreciated the opportunity to help make the USM community aware of events and news stories that they otherwise may not have been. I’m excited to take on the role of news editor. Look out for my articles in the Free Press this semester! 
